Motor skill in autism spectrum disorders: a subcortical view

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Motor control and learning
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research

Background:

• Motor behavior is among the earliest observable symptoms in autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
• Impaired motor function in ASD is increasingly recognized for its developmental importance and links to social skill deficits.
• Compromised motor function may divert cognitive resources from environmental processing and learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the developmental importance of motor function in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• To explore the association between impaired motor function and social skills in ASD.
• To propose a machine learning-based framework for analyzing motor skill differences in individuals with ASD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on motor behavior in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Conceptual framework development inspired by machine learning principles.
• Analysis of how motor skills differ in individuals with ASD.

Main Results:

• Motor system deficits are present early in the developmental trajectory of individuals with ASD.
• Motor skill impairment is linked to challenges in social interaction and learning.
• The motor system's trainability presents a potential avenue for intervention.

Conclusions:

• The motor system may serve as a critical gateway for improving outcomes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• A machine learning-inspired approach can elucidate the specific nature of motor differences in ASD.
• Targeting motor skill development could be a promising strategy for ASD interventions.